My Current (Affordable) Spring Favorites

While I continue to write the finishing touches for upcoming installments of  +Size Matters, I decided to share some of my favorite pieces from various plus size spring collections online. I got to say that I am really loving the coral and mint colors that are clearly this seasons favorites as well as the new takes on some old prints and textures like florals, denim, crochet and chambray. The best part about this list is that these same pieces can carry over into summer be it for a day out with the family or time in the office and it is budget-friendly as everything on this list is less than $40 (minus shipping.) Happy shopping!

Handbags & Totes

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Casual Valentine’s Day Peplum

Being single my plans for Valentine’s day tend to range from being  supremely casual to classy   so I decided that this year I would cover both kinds of activities. So for the next week I will be featuring some affordable Valentine’s day outfit inspo, starting with this first look  that is perfect for a casual shopping date, bowling, or even karaoke.

20160127_145602 (2)I don’t know about you, but I am still not ready to let go of peplum. The cinched waist of a peplum top is like wearing a fit and flare skater dress that is so versatile as it  can easily be paired with pants or skirts. It is this fact that drew me to this Bongo Junior’s Plus ribbed knit peplum sweater as it was a new take on an already classic piece. My fall/winter wardrobe vastly outweighs my spring/summer wardrobe for reasons I have already discussed on the blog. What can I say? I love knits, just as much as I love the winter cold. So considering the number of sweaters I already own, I really didn’t need to add to my collection, but the uniqueness of this piece stayed with me even after I left the store and shared it on Instagram that I just had to return to Sears to pick it up a couple days later.  Continue reading

Big City, Curvy Girl, Thin Wallet Turns 1 – Revisiting My First Blog Post

BCT turns 1

As of last Monday (January 11), my blog is officially a year old. My first post was “2015- New Year, New Things To Try”  in which I wrote about the trends that I wanted to try during the year. As I continued to write posts and featuring  this list was always in the back of my mind, as I took it as a public declaration to myself to break out of my comfort zone and try new things. So I thought with it being a full year (and a week) later a good way to commemorate the blogiversary of Big City, Curvy Girl, Thin Wallet would be to take a look at that list and checking off my progress. Continue reading

Holiday Lace & Tulle

Growing up I idolized ballerinas and figure skaters for what they were able to do and their bravery to do it with everyone watching. Now that I think about it, this is probably why I gravitate so much to skater skirts and dresses as a way to emulate confidence. Never-mind the fact  that I have never learned how to ice skate or pirouette, I’m wearing a tutu ergo I am a ballerina! In all seriousness, the tulle skirt is really something that I have been silently coveting for a while now and I am so happy that I was finally able to purchase one without breaking the bank. That’s right, this tulle skirt is only $20!
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Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that back in November I was having difficulty choosing between the black or blush pleated A-line skirt from Forever 21+  and it was this lace trim sweater that helped me finally make a decision.  A 2010 Christmas present from my mother, this was a piece I couldn’t figure out how to wear. Pencil skirts and trousers didn’t seem to give the cinched bell lace sleeves justice because it had this muted feminine elegance that called for something more dramatic to be paired with it, so you can imagine how happy I was to finally find something that just worked so well. I must say that even with the inexpensive the price tag, the quality of this tulle skirt is so good, it won’t fall apart after just wearing it once or look unfinished and the material does not give the air of “cheap.” It truly is a must have piece for your wardrobe as it is so versatile,  and when styled right can easily transition from casual to party ready. 

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Style Notes: Unfortunately this sweater is no longer available, but I did manage to find some interesting and affordable tops that would definitely compliment this skirt in a similar way for any upcoming holiday social events you may have this month.

~Get the look~

Worthington Lace Bell Sleeve Sweater (XL)  | JcPenny (sold out, similar here, here, and here)
Tulle Full Midi Skirt (2X) | Charlotte Russe 
Suede Wedges | ALDO (sold out, similar here and here)

Commanding Attention

While it took me a while to actually enjoy fashion, I will admit that I always had a thing for historical costume, particularly those of the 18th century and the regency. Its no secret that I love history.  It’s been my favorite subject since the first grade when I first learned about Elizabeth I and today I am a proud historian who does research via study of symbols/iconography and material culture. Part of that love has also lead to me incorporating a couple of history inspired pieces into my wardrobe with things like velvet ribbons, cameo brooches, lace gloves, parasols and my most prized possession – a military zip jacket. To date this is one of those pieces in my wardrobe that rarely makes an appearance save for special occasions like the start of fall.  With its gold-crested button front, mandarin collar and  curved seams, it turned out to be one of the best accompaniments for my new retro dress. Continue reading